In today's episode, Micah is joined by Josh and Chelsea Vatter of Vatter Hauling, a local New Holland business that handles junk removal of all forms. Since starting the company, Josh and Chelsea have seen most of their business come from Facebook, so they take this opportunity to share what DID work for them with Facebook and what DIDN'T work for them with other forms of marketing. They discuss their misadventures in print marketing and marketing on Instagram as well as the importance of posting consistently, utilizing Facebook groups, and learning your business's market.
Josh, along with his wife Chelsea, has been running Vatter Hauling for over a year. While Josh brings the big ideas, Chelsea provides the voice of reason, ensuring practicality and feasibility in their ventures. This dynamic duo has learned to balance each other's strengths and weaknesses, a key element in their business success.
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN BUSINESS GROWTH
Josh and Chelsea initially experimented with various traditional advertising methods, from paper signs to business cards. However, they soon realized that social media, particularly Facebook, was the most effective platform for reaching their target audience. With nearly 95% of their business coming from Facebook, they found that consistent posting was essential. Josh shares, "I went from posting every day to once a week, and now I do it daily at the same time, focusing on weekdays."
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSISTENCY AND TARGET AUDIENCE
Consistency has been crucial for Vatter Hauling. Josh posts daily at optimal times, targeting lunch breaks when people are most likely to be browsing their phones. He also learned the importance of choosing the right platform, noting that while Facebook has been highly effective, Instagram has not yielded the same results. This is likely due to the demographic differences between the two platforms, with Facebook users generally fitting more closely with their customer base.
LEARNING AND ADAPTING
One key takeaway from their journey is the importance of adapting and learning from experience. Josh recalled early mistakes, such as underpricing jobs and using stock images for posts. Now, they use real before-and-after photos from actual jobs, which resonate more with potential customers. This transparency and authenticity have helped build trust and credibility with their audience.
CHALLENGES AND OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
Vatter Hauling has faced its share of challenges, from underquoting jobs to navigating the complexities of social media marketing. However, the couple's willingness to learn and adapt has been instrumental in their success. They also emphasized the importance of understanding their market and focusing their efforts on platforms that align with their target demographic.
ADVICE FOR OTHER SMALL BUSINESSES
Josh's advice for other small business owners looking to leverage social media is straightforward: "You have to keep posting, even when it's not working." He stressed the need to find the right platform for your business and consistently engage with your audience. Chelsea added the importance of knowing your market and focusing on genuine, relatable content.
THE REWARDS OF SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
The most rewarding aspect of their social media efforts has been the visibility and reach it provides. Through consistent and targeted posts, they've been able to grow their business significantly, all while maintaining a strong reputation for reliability and quality service.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Vatter Hauling's story highlights the power of social media for small businesses. With a focus on authenticity, consistency, and understanding their audience, Josh and Chelsea have successfully navigated the chaotic world of social media marketing. As they continue to grow, their journey serves as a valuable lesson for other entrepreneurs looking to make their mark.
For anyone in need of junk removal services, Josh's catchy sign-off sums it up perfectly: "No need to stress, we will handle the mess."
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